While some practices, such as yoga or fitness, are already well-known for their benefits for the body and mind – which are more essential than ever after the year we’ve had – other, more original activities could surprise, and win over, participants.
Here’s a look at some of what’s on this World Wellness Weekend.
- Dubai, UAE
At the Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel’s Talise Spa, volunteers will be able to try two original activities seeking to help them to reconnect with a more positive state of mind, while relieving stress.
In the morning, there’ll be “Energising Yoga with Laughter Therapy,” accessible to all – including beginners – offering work on breathing while rebalancing energy levels and mood.
Then, in the early evening, there’s “Pranic Breathing with Singing Bowl Meditation,” promising to boost energy while reducing stress levels through meditation.
- Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Take advantage of nature’s rich, diverse beauty to recharge your batteries after the months of lockdowns and restrictions experienced worldwide.
That’s what the Iguazu Wellness establishment is offering in Foz do Iguaçu, the gateway to Brazil’s famous waterfalls of the same name.
The activity, which is based on ion therapy – or the health benefits of negative ions from waterfalls – will be led by a wellness coach, accompanying participants into the heart of the subtropical forest to help them reconnect with nature, while offering a host of well-being-focused exercises.
- Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, USA
If you haven’t yet heard of “swamp therapy,” then World Wellness Weekend will be the opportunity to try this most original activity.
For that, head to the Big Cypress National Preserve, which borders the famous Everglades National Park in Florida.
Adventurers should prepare for a particularly soggy stomp – that will be no walk in the park – as they seek to become one with the beauty and sounds of nature.
Several studies have previously highlighted the benefits of walking in the forest, so why not try this swamp-based variation?
Note that participants will need to be well-equipped (long pants, hat, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, binoculars, and backpack).
- Champillon, Grand Est, France
Nordic walking and its virtues have been known for many years, but the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is offering the chance to explore the landscapes and natural beauty of France’s Champagne region through a Nordic walking session among the vineyards during harvest season.
It’s a great way to combine well-being and a change of scenery with a quintessentially French experience.
In addition to the walk, the establishment will also offer seated massages to help relieve tension built up during the last few months, as well as a physiotherapist-led session on how to reduce muscular fatigue in the back.
- Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile-de-France, France
At the Beauty Pop-Up in Boulogne-Billancourt, just outside Paris, you can hop onto a giant Waff cushion for a session of immersive sophrology and/or a relaxing massage, all while enjoying a feeling of weightlessness.
The aim is simply to relax, whether thanks to a head, neck and shoulder massage or a via virtual reality experience.
It’s something that’s likely to appeal to anyone whose posture has suffered while working from home in recent times.